In response to the United States’ recent tightening of visa norms, the Indian government has emphasized the importance of fair and merit-based evaluation for Indian nationals seeking entry into the US. The move comes after the US Embassy in India issued updated guidelines requiring visa applicants to disclose all social media platforms they have used in the past five years.
According to a new advisory released on June 26, 2025, all applicants must now list their usernames or handles for every social media platform they’ve accessed within that timeframe on the DS-160 form. Failure to accurately provide this information, the advisory warned, could result in visa denial and possible future ineligibility.
Applicants are also required to certify that all information provided is truthful and complete before submitting their application.
Special Note for Student and Exchange Visa Applicants
In a separate advisory dated June 23, the US Embassy specifically addressed applicants for F, M, and J category visas—typically issued to international students and exchange visitors—urging them to make their social media profiles publicly viewable to assist with identity verification and admissibility assessments under US immigration law.
The embassy reiterated that every visa adjudication is considered a national security decision and that consular officers may use all available data, including online presence, during the vetting process.
Two digital infographics circulated by the embassy underscored this message, stating:
“The United States requires visa applicants to provide social media identifiers on visa forms,” and
“All available information is used in screening and vetting.”
India Responds: ‘Visa Applications Must Be Merit-Based’
Reacting to these developments, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal acknowledged that immigration and visa policies are a sovereign matter. However, he stated that India has taken note of the revised guidelines and expects all Indian visa applicants to be assessed fairly and on the basis of merit.
“We continue to remain in close contact with the US authorities to ensure the legitimate interests of Indian nationals are protected,” Jaiswal added during a press briefing in New Delhi.
Heightened Scrutiny Amid Broader Enforcement Drive
These developments are part of a wider immigration enforcement strategy unfolding in the United States. On June 24, the US Embassy noted that individuals found violating immigration laws could face detention, deportation, and long-term bans from entering the country.
Previous advisories issued earlier this month reiterated that holding a visa is “a privilege, not a right,” and warned that even lawful visa holders may have their permissions revoked for engaging in illegal activities or substance abuse.
Furthermore, on June 16, new visa restrictions were announced targeting foreign government officials and immigration law violators, with the embassy asserting that the US would not tolerate illegal immigration or abuse of its visa system.
